Procurement and Contracts Manager
Redlands, CO - USA
Job Summary
Position Code:7852
DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION:Office of Budget and Finance
POSITION:Administrative Exempt (12 months) Full-time (40 Hours)
SALARY RANGE:$90000-$100000
HIRING RANGE:Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification
commensurate with candidates education experience skills and training.
INTRODUCTORY PERIOD:Twelve (12) Months
AVAILABLE:Immediately
POSTING DATE: April 1 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE:Open Until Filled Apply Immediately.
Definition of Classification:
The Procurement & Contracts Manager is responsible for leading the Universitys procurement and contracting activities as the institutions primary procurement authority. This position oversees competitive sourcing contract negotiation supplier evaluation policy development procurement governance and dayâtoâday procurement operations. The Manager ensures that all procurement and contracting activities comply with University policies legal requirements and regulatory standards.
The Manager will initially focus on implementing the Universitys new procurement system and developing procurement policies and workflows including requirements gathering workflow design documentation and campusâwide training. After implementation the Manager will assume full responsibility for strategic sourcing contract management procurement operations system administration and campus support.
This position works collaboratively with the Controller Accounts Payable Legal IT and campus departments and serves as the Universitys subjectâmatter expert for procurement and contracting.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Procurement System Implementation & Administration
Lead implementation of the Universitys new procurement system including requirements gathering workflow design testing and go-live support.
Develop and document procurement processes approval workflows and system procedures.
Administer the procurement system after implementation including configurations vendor records approval hierarchies category structures and punch-out catalogs.
Monitor procurement workflow queues and ensure timely routing and processing of transactions.
Collaborate with IT Finance and external vendors to troubleshoot issues support system enhancements and ensure system performance.
Provide training guidance and ongoing support to campus users to ensure effective system adoption.
Procurement Operations & Transactional Support
Manage end-to-end procurement transactions across multiple categories ensuring completeness accuracy and policy compliance.
Review and process purchase requests ensuring appropriate documentation approvals and alignment with University policies.
Assist departments with developing and processing purchase requests and provide procurement guidance.
Maintain supplier contract and category master data in the ERP/procurement system.
Support qualification and onboarding of new vendors in alignment with University standards.
Resolve order discrepancies defective goods invoice issues and delivery problems in coordination with Accounts Payable vendors and campus departments.
Maintain and update punch-out catalogs including item availability pricing supplier updates and category alignment.
Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
Conduct supplier searches product evaluations and market research to identify optimal sources based on price quality availability and reliability.
Administer RFIs RFQs and RFPs; evaluate supplier proposals pricing and market trends to ensure competitive data-driven sourcing decisions.
Negotiate contract terms pricing payment schedules and delivery requirements with new and existing vendors.
Contribute to long-term procurement strategy including spend optimization category management and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Finance IT Legal and campus departments to strengthen procurement governance and operational efficiency.
Contract Management
Oversee the full contract lifecycle including intake review negotiation execution renewal tracking amendments and close-out for goods services and technology purchases.
Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel on contract review and risk mitigation.
Ensure contracts align with University policies risk management practices and regulatory requirements.
Maintain contract records and master data in the Universitys ERP/procurement system and/or contract portal
Policy Development & Compliance
Develop document and maintain procurement policies procedures and approval workflows.
Ensure procurement activities comply with University policies legal requirements and applicable regulations.
Interpret procurement policies and provide authoritative guidance to departments senior leadership and external partners.
Promote supplier diversity and environmentally responsible purchasing practices
Vendor Management & Issue Resolution
Develop and maintain strategic vendor relationships to support long-term value service quality and innovation.
Monitor vendor performance using defined metrics and address underperformance.
Resolve escalated issues related to orders invoices delivery or vendor performance.
Serve as a procurement resource to internal stakeholders and provide training or guidance as needed.
Data Analysis & Process Improvement
Compile and analyze procurement data to support trend analysis cost-savings initiatives and supplier performance reporting.
Recommend and implement procurement process enhancements that increase efficiency reduce costs and strengthen internal controls
Leadership (Non-Supervisory)
Provide procurement leadership and subject-matter expertise across the University.
May provide direction to student workers or temporary staff as needed.
Qualifications Guidelines:
Any combination of experience/training/education equivalent to but not limited to the following:
Required
Bachelors degree in Business Supply Chain Finance Public Administration or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
35 years of progressively responsible procurement purchasing or sourcing experience.
Experience in higher education public sector or a similarly regulated environment.
Experience with competitive bidding processes (RFI/RFQ/RFP) and contract negotiation.
Experience reviewing drafting and negotiating contracts under California law
Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate pricing proposals and market trends.
Excellent communication customer service and relationship-building skills.
Ability to interpret and apply procurement policies regulations and best practices.
Proficiency with ERP or procurement systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred
Certification such as CPPB CPPO CPSM or CSCP.
Experience developing procurement processes or building a procurement function.
Knowledge of sustainable purchasing practices and supplier diversity programs
Knowledge and Skills:
Analytical and problem-solving aptitude with strong attention to detail.
Ability to evaluate bids and proposals and make data-informed purchasing decisions.
Advanced ability to review interpret and negotiate contracts including terms conditions pricing structures service levels and risk-mitigation provisions.
Knowledge of contract law principles regulatory requirements and compliance considerations relevant to higher-education procurement.
Comfort with ERP/procurement systems including catalog and punch-out functionality.
Commitment to equity diversity and inclusion in vendor selection and campus engagement.
Capacity to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams.
Aptitude to learn new technology methods and procedures.
Ability to develop maintain and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the University.
Ability to use appropriate judgment when making decisions and recommendations.
Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students faculty and staff.
Strong ability to identify contractual risks recommend mitigation strategies and ensure alignment with University policies and legal requirements.
Skill in leading competitive sourcing events (RFI/RFQ/RFP) and translating outcomes into well-structured enforceable agreements.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
Working Conditions:
Working Conditions:
Standard office setting. Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.
Physical Demands:
Incumbents regularly sit for long periods; walk short distances on a regular basis; may travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work; use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reach with hands and arms; stoop or kneel or crouch to file; climb stairs; speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; and lift carry and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
TO APPLY:A resume/CV and cover letter are compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed please call .If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability contact us at to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Offers are conditional and may be rescinded if disqualifying information is found or if information was withheld or falsified. Current employees may be affected if the check is not satisfactorily completed.
DRIVERS LICENSE: Certain positions require a valid drivers license and enrollment in the DMV Government Employer Pull Notice Program to verify license status and driving record.
PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS: Select positions (e.g. Public Safety Facilities Student Affairs Athletics ITS) require a pre-employment physical exam including the ability to lift 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers must also pass a psychological evaluation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.
MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
Discover personalized education at the University of Redlands, an innovative university in California offering a transformative learning experience in a supportive community.